M33: The Triangulum Galaxy
Explanation:
The
spiral galaxy
M33
is a mid-sized member of our
Local Group of galaxies.
M33 is also called the Triangulum Galaxy for the
constellation in which it resides.
About four times smaller (in radius) than our
Milky Way Galaxy and the
Andromeda Galaxy
(M31), it is much larger than the many of the
local dwarf spheroidal
galaxies. M33's proximity to M31 causes it to be thought by some to be a
satellite galaxy of this more massive galaxy. M33's proximity to our Milky
Way galaxy causes it to appear more than twice the angular size of the
full moon, and visible with a
good pair of
binoculars.
In the
above picture, visible light is shown in red and
ultraviolet light
superposed in blue.
Stars in M33 are the most distant ever to be studied
spectroscopically.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
